Everton face double awkward dilemma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision nears

Sean Dyche has two big dilemmas to consider going into Everton’s next match – but one of those decisions may be made for him. Everton earned another useful point at Brighton on Saturday though, as with the draw against Crystal Palace before it, the circumstances of the game meant the result felt like a defeat. On both occasions Dyche has had the opportunity to select from his four trusted centre midfielders, dropping Amadou Onana to the bench for each match. Everton’s struggles on the ball, and their improvement when he has come on, have boosted the argument for his inclusion against West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Beto could come into consideration for a first start since December as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s run without a goal extended to 20 games at the Amex Stadium.Dyche made just one change for the trip to the south coast and it was an expected one as Jack Harrison returned for Ashley Young. That meant some surprise as Onana, who improved Everton from the bench and scored the equaliser against Palace days earlier, remained on the sidelines. Onana strengthened his claims for a start again after appearing early in a second half that saw Everton gain a foothold in the game.Dyche introduced him when Idrissa Gueye went down injured and the dugout turned to the Belgian international so quickly it suggested Gueye had flagged an issue at half time that was being monitored. It was later confirmed that the 34-year-old had suffered a groin issue that will be assessed this week. Should he be in doubt for Saturday then, as much as Dyche will be disappointed to lose a player who has been influential since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, he will have a quality alternative to turn to.